Gift shop to stock goods from west coast producers

Boost for Helensburgh shopping scene as new businesses prepare to open Local is part of what I want to do - best of the west, west coast and islands.

A NEW independent retailer opening this holiday weekend is hoping to share in Helensburgh residents’ love of Scotland - and the owner says he wants locals to share what they want to see in the store.

Capercaillie Gifts and Home will open on Good Friday in the Sinclair Street shop which was occupied for many years by Amaryllis Living, which shut its doors in January.

David King, pictured, spent 15 years as general manager of one of Scotland’s largest gift stores, Romanes & Paterson in Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Then he decided it was time to venture out on his own and open up in Helensburgh.

A soft launch on Friday - simultaneous to new clothing retailer NorthNorthwest next door - will mark a significant and swift turnaround for the street, which in January saw both shopfronts close within days.

Now Mr King is aiming for a 50-50 split of residents and visitors venturing into his shop.

He told the Advertiser there are three main aspects to their products: gifts and homewares; kilts and clan; food.

“Our theme is Scotland and we are proud of that, but it’s not tartan-dominated,” he said.

“There’s so much more that Scotland has to offer that hopefully we will be representing.

“We are turning the space around very quickly and we want to know what people want to see.”

Mr King rattled off a number of Scottish and particularly west coast producers, from Tiree Tea to Heathergems and Island Bakery of Mull, who are amongst those whose products he is stocking.

Gifts will range from magnets and key rings, to table matts and dog collars and leads.

For kilts, he has connected with Strathmore, House of Edgar and Lochcarron mills.

And food will stretch from Isle of Mull Coffee Roasters to Edinburgh Honey Co.

Mr King said his knowledge and contact with producers helped bring them to the shop, with many identifying Helensburgh as a town they wanted to be in.

His mother has lived in the town for 30 years and his late step father, Tom Griffiths, was once a captain of Helensburgh Golf Club - meaning the town is not a sudden or new destination.

“I decided it was time to do something on my own,” he said. “A 10-year lease fits in quite well with me.

“Local is part of what I want to do best of the west, west coast and islands. We are looking to try to support more west coast producers.

“We want people to let us know what they want to see.”

Capercaillie Gifts and Home, at 59 Sinclair Street, opens on Friday, March 29.